Healing Center

Whether you realize it or not, every day you lose some hair. Your body then replaces it with some new strands as part of the many renewal processes that are built into our systems. As you age, the reappearance of new hair gradually slows. This phenomenon is more noticeable in men, whose "male-pattern baldness" is genetically determined and can begin as early as age 20. For women, hair normally thins after age 50, and significant hair loss before that age is rare. Hair loss can also be tied to a wide variety of conditions not related to your family history, such as nutritional deficiencies, side effects of illnesses or a particular drug, child birth, hormonal shifts, or periods of increased stress. If alternative medicine had a way to make the body grow more hair without fail, it would be so popular that no one would call it "alternative." While we dont offer any miracle cures well explain how the treatments we ve used at WholeHealthMD can help.

This chart indicates at a glance the herbal and nutritional supplements that I and other WholeHealthMD practitioners have found most helpful for this ailment. We've also provided specific dosages and other useful tips.

What are Hair Problems?
The hair problems people complain about most are hair loss, graying hair, brittle hair, dandruff, and slow growth. Though most of these problems are natural signs of aging or part of our genetic makeup, there are some simple preventative measures, supplements, and home remedies that may help some of these hair complaints.

Even though hair isn't living tissue--it's made up of keratin, the same fibrous protein in fingernails and toenails--a constant supply of nutrient-rich blood is needed to nourish the follicles in the scalp from which each hair grows. Typically, hair grows an average of an inch every two months. The average head can shed up to 100 of its 100,000 hairs every day. These discarded strands are usually replaced by the same number of new hairs growing in.

What Causes Hair Problems?
The hair is a reflection of the body's general health. Its condition changes for the worse with stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormone shifts, environmental factors, an underactive thyroid, and immune disorders. Cancer chemotherapy, exposure to radiation, and certain medications can also cause hair to fall out. Genetic disposition can also cause hair problems.

Treatment and Prevention
The best-known hair-growth promoter, minoxidil, is now available over-the-counter, making it easily available to anyone who wants to try it. Using it is a lifetime commitment, though; if you are part of the 40% for whom minoxidil causes enough new hair growth to make a noticeable difference, you have to keep using it or the new hair will disappear!

Another popular hair drug, finasteride, has the same effect. Both drugs are dangerous for pregnant women because they can cause birth defects; finasteride isn't approved for women at all. These drugs are nonetheless probably the best options for androgenetic alopecia, the well-known male and female pattern baldness (receding hairline and hair loss on the crown for men, and general hair thinning for women). These common types of hair loss don't respond to non-drug strategies.

But if you have a different type of hair loss or symptoms, and aren't interested in expensive hair weaves or implants, it may make sense to try some nutrition and behavior changes first. Many of these changes benefit the health of not only the hair but also the whole body.

Just a reminder: If you have a serious medical condition or are taking medication, it's always a wise idea to talk to your doctor before starting a supplement program.

How Supplements Can Help
Most hair supplements work the same way: They deliver needed nutrients to the hair roots and help build stronger, healthier hair. The supplements listed here can be safely taken with each other and with prescription hair-restoring drugs such as minoxidil.

Flaxseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can make hair more glossy and healthy looking. It may soothe the itching and flaking of dandruff and help get rid of psoriasis and eczema on the scalp.

The mineral zinc builds healthy hair and may slow hair loss. Because it can stimulate the thyroid, it's especially helpful to people whose thinning and brittle hair is due to an underactive thyroid.

If you're taking zinc long term, it's wise to take copper as well, since zinc interferes with copper absorption. In addition, copper is an essential component of melanin, the pigment in hair and skin. In cases where gray hair is caused by a copper deficiency, taking copper may restore hair to its natural color.

Biotin and vitamin B complex may strengthen hair, act as a hair and scalp conditioner, and slow down hair loss. Biotin may even stimulate new hair growth if the hair loss can be traced to a biotin deficiency. Another B vitamin, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) may protect hair roots and help prevent hair loss. It can also reverse graying in cases where the cause is a deficiency of PABA or other B vitamins.

Selenium may promote hair growth, but do not exceed 200 mcg of this mineral a day as higher amounts may be toxic. Another antioxidant, vitamin A, can remedy a flaky scalp if you have a deficit of this nutrient. But more isn't always better: Too much vitamin A (more than 25,000 IU a day) taken over a long time can actually cause hair loss as well as liver damage and birth defects (among other bodily problems).

Grape seed extract is a high-potency antioxidant capable of protecting virtually every cell in the body from free-radical damage. Although not specifically designed for hair loss, researchers recently discovered that grapeseed extract increased hair growth in lab animals.

By their ability to block the effects of the male hormone testosterone, the herbs saw palmetto and pygeum africanum may be helpful in conditions of male pattern baldness in either men or women.

Some Chinese herbs such as dong quai, polygoni multifiori radix (ho-shou-wu) and Siberian ginseng have also been used traditionally in China to prevent the hair loss and graying that come with age. The exact mechanism is unknown, but may be related to a mild estrogenic effect.

Self-Care Remedies
Eat a balanced and sensible diet to ensure you are getting essential nutrients.

Use a mild shampoo. Afterward, gently towel hair dry and use a conditioner.

Avoid exposing hair to chlorinated pool water or any other chemical solutions. If you use perms, straighteners, or dyes, you may need to compensate for the damage they cause by babying your hair with gentle shampoos and extra conditioners.

Avoid excessive dry heat such as that from blow dryers and curling irons.

Protect scalp and hair from damaging sun rays by wearing a comfortable hat.

Alopecia areata, a specific type of patchy hair loss common to men and women, was recently shown to respond to essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood. These were added to a carrier oil of jojoba oil and massaged into the scalp daily. After seven months, researchers found that 44% of the patients had noticeable results, compared with only 15% of the controls.

Don't wear tight wigs or hats that can cause hair to rub off ( called friction alopecia).

Keep braids or ponytails loose. Otherwise, hair can fall out due to the tight pulling (called traction alopecia).

For women with thinning hair, a short hair style can make hair look fuller. Mousses, gels, and hairspray can lend extra body and hide thinning hair. But be kind to your scalp: Use only small amounts of these products so the cells and hair follicles can breathe.

Quit smoking. British scientists found that smokers were four times more likely to have gray hair than nonsmokers and were more prone to hair loss.

Treatment of hair loss is a situation where conventional and integrative medicine can work together nicely. If you suspect that a medical condition like a scalp disease or a thyroid disorder is responsible for your condition, see your physician for a checkup.

If no medical condition is found, stop and consider the "hair loss problem" in terms of your whole life: Reflect on your eating habits, your emotional stresses, and the day-to-day care (or cosmetic abuse) of your hair. Then use the entire supplement list as directed, every day for at least six months.

If you make appropriately needed lifestyle changes and theres still no appreciable results, consider talking to your doctor about one of the new prescription medicines for hair loss, like minoxidil.

How to Take the Supplements

You should already be taking a daily high-potency multivitamin supplement, along with extra vitamin C (1,000 mg) and vitamin E (400 mg).

Both evening primrose or borage oil plus flaxseed oil will help combat dryness in the hair and scalp; the omega-3 fatty acids in the flaxseed oil also reduce itching and flaking. (You dont have to slug down a tablespoonful of flaxseed oil each morning but rather mix it into some orange juice, a yogurt smoothie, or use it as a salad dressing.) Not only should you notice increased silkiness and lustrousness in your hair, but by using the flaxseed oil, your skin should become softer and smoother as well.

The zinc with copper, biotin, and vitamin B complex all contribute to healthy hair growth and prevent excessive hair loss. If hair loss is due to a deficiency of biotin, adding more of this B vitamin may even restore the lost hair.

Taking grape seed extract, a potent antioxidant, will help to protect the delicate hair follicles from free-radical damage; it should also aid in preserving the collagen in your skin, including the scalp.

Selenium also aids in hair growth, while PABA works to prevent damage to hair follices. (A daily high-potency multivitamin should provide the necessary amounts of both these nutrients.)

Vitamin A, another antioxidant, is well known for its role in the development and renewal of skin and mucous membranes

For special consideration:

If you seem to be developing a male-pattern baldness (and this can happen to women too) try adding the herbs saw palmetto (160 mg a day) and pygeum africanum (100 mg a day). They may be beneficial because they help block the effects of the male hormone testosterone.

If an increased estrogen effect won t bother an existing condition you have (such as endometriosis or breast cancer), try combinations of such traditional Chinese herbs as dong quai and shou wu; some products also contain Siberian ginseng. You can take dong Quai/shou wu pills of 500mg three times a day.

Women, men, those over 50, those with chronic illness, and vegetarians have special needs to consider when choosing a multivitamin. Review your special needs below.

Why Everyone should be Taking a Multivitamin

There's nothing like a sound, low-fat diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to supply the vitamins and minerals we need to stay healthy. Unfortunately, we don't always eat well. Add to that the possible harmful effects of stress, aging, lack of exercise, pollution and illness, and supplements become even more important. That's why so many experts now recommend that everyone take a daily multivitamin.

The Right Choice: See Our Multivitamin Chart

This chart outlines the key vitamins and minerals your multivitamin should supply and the main benefits of each nutrient. It also gives what's called the daily value (DV) - a new government standard that generally corresponds to the RDA. The DV satisfies minimum daily requirements and helps prevent a deficiency disease, such as scurvy (lack of vitamin C). The higher levels of vitamins and minerals found in many multivitamins may actually help prevent disease, delay its onset or even lessen the severity of certain ailments.

Good Reason to Take an extra-strength Formula

If you eat an optimal diet of low-fat foods, at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and chicken, lean meat, or fish several times a week, you can probably get away with a once-daily formula. But even those who consume a fairly well rounded diet and yield to junk-food lapses only occasionally can benefit from an extra-strength formula. If your idea of lunch is a slice of pizza and a diet soda, look for a multivitamin in the upper ranges of our chart.

•Read the label carefully to see
what you're getting. Many "high-potency"
formulas provide only extra amounts of the less-expensive ingredients.

•Don't pay more for "timed-
released" or "related" products. They're not worth the extra cost.

• Check the serving size. You may need to swallow up to six extra-strength pills a day to get the amounts listed on the label.

•Don't double up on one-a-days You'll be getting too much of certain nutrients, and not enough of others. If you want an extra-strength formula, buy one.

• Avoid mega doses that greatly exceed the upper doses listed in our chart, especially with fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K; the minerals iron and selenium; or when taking any supplements long term. Be sure to account for any vitamins and minerals you may also be taking as individual supplements or as part of an herbal formula.

Fights infections; maintains eye and skin health. May be supplied in part as beta-carotene, which may lower the risk of cancer and heart disease and boost immunity. Pregnant women should not take more than 5,000 IU of vitamin A daily, but higher doses of beta-carotene are safe.

Promotes healthy bones and teeth; may protect against cancer.Adults may be deficient even with the usual doses of 400IU in multivitamins. Those over 50 should get at least 1000 IU and those over 70 may need at least 2000 IU of Vitamin D3. Avoid daily doses exceeding 10,000 IU, which may be toxic.

400 IU

200-400 IU

may need an additional 1000IU above what is in the multivitamin. Get a Vit D blood test to determine your needs.

Prevents anemia in younger women. Men and postmenopausal women should opt for iron-free formulas. Vegetarians who avoid all animal products and women with heavy periods should get at least 18 mg a day. Don't exceed 65 mg daily.

May cure colds, relieve prostrate complaints, and slow macular degeneration. Vegetarians who avoid all animal products, including dairy and eggs, should aim to get 30 mg. Don't exceed 60 mg daily, which can be harmful.

15 mg

15 mg

15-30 mg

Special Needs

Women

of all ages need at least 1,200 mg of calcium daily, through supplements or diet, to slow bone loss. Most multivitamins don't supply this much: A separate calcium supplement is probably your best bet. Younger women, especially those with heavy menstrual periods, need plenty of iron (18 mg a day ). Those considering pregnancy should get extra folic acid and avoid high-dose vitamin A. Special "women's formulas" may contain expensive herbs you may not need.

Men

should avoid multivitamins containing iron: Iron build-up has been linked to heart disease. Be wary of "men's formulas that tout ingredients like saw palmetto for prostate complaints. Many of these high-profile "extras" are present in such small amounts that they provide little or no therapeutic benefit.

Over 50,

opt for iron-free formulas: Too much of the mineral can cause heart problems. Look for vitamins B6 and B12 in the higher ranges, because as people age, they often have trouble absorbing these nutrients. Older women and men can benefit from the bone-strengthening effects of extra calcium (1,200 mg a day) and vitamin D (400 to 600 IU a day).

Chronic Illness

can lead to poor eating habits or deplete nutrient stores. Extra-strength formulas are especially important if you suffer from a long-term digestive ailment or have liver or gallbladder problems. Consult your doctor before taking supplements.

Vegetarians

who avoid all animal foods, including dairy and egg products, need at least 100 mcg daily of vitamin B12. Zinc, iron and calcium are also very important minerals for strict vegetarians.

Disclaimer: All material provided in the WholeHealthMD website is provided for educational purposes only. Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any information provided in the WholeHealthMD website to your symptoms or medical condition.